‘Completely unacceptable’: Outrage in Europe as Israel blocks Barcelona flotilla delivering aid to Gaza

PARIS, Oct 3 — Protests erupted across Europe yesterday after Israel intercepted a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, with demonstrators demanding stronger action and sanctions from European governments.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, which departed from Barcelona last month to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza — where the UN has warned of famine after nearly two years of the Israel-Hamas conflict — was stopped by Israeli forces on Wednesday.

According to Israeli officials, the navy blocked 41 vessels carrying more than 400 passengers, including politicians and climate activist Greta Thunberg, from entering the coastal enclave.

In Barcelona, some 15,000 people took to the streets, chanting “Gaza, you are not alone,” “Boycott Israel” and “Freedom for Palestine.” Spanish public television footage showed riot police using batons to push back demonstrators who tried to breach security barriers. A vessel carrying former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, along with Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela and other activists, was among those intercepted. They now face deportation from Israel.

Similar protests spread across Spain, with around 10,000 marching in Madrid and thousands more rallying in Bilbao, Seville, and Valencia.

In France, around 1,000 demonstrators gathered at Paris’s Place de la République, while police in Marseille arrested about 100 protesters who attempted to block access to the offices of Eurolinks, a weapons manufacturer accused of supplying Israel.

In Italy, thousands joined demonstrations ahead of a general strike called by major trade unions in solidarity with the flotilla, urging Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to defend the activists.

“We are ready to block everything. The genocidal machine must stop immediately,” protesters chanted.

Seventy-six-year-old Gianfranco Pagliarulo told AFP that Meloni had failed to stand up to Israel. Though Italy deployed a naval frigate for the flotilla’s protection, the vessel turned back after Israel enforced its blockade.

“Instead of defending the victims, the government is defending the aggressors, and that is absolutely intolerable,” Pagliarulo said.

In Brussels, around 3,000 people gathered outside the European Parliament, setting off smoke bombs and crackers while holding banners calling on the EU to “break the siege.” A protester named Isis told AFPTV that the bloc must stop funneling “astronomical sums of money” to Israel and protect humanitarian missions.

Thousands also rallied in Geneva, lighting bonfires and marching toward Mont Blanc bridge before clashing briefly with police in riot gear.

In Malaysia, dozens gathered in front of the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, condemning Israel’s actions.

“We are very upset, angry and disgusted because this is about humanity,” said Ili Farhan, 43. “They were only bringing in aid and baby food. This arrest is unjust.” — AFP